Pixel Magazine - March 2015

®

ISSUE NO. 947P

March 2015

www.pixel.co.uk

INSIDE

LP_Pixel_Ears_46x53mm.indd 1

LP_Pixel_Ears_46x53mm.indd 2 30/09/2014 30/09/2014 11:47 FUJIFILM AIMS TO INSPIRE AT THE PHOTOGRAPY SHOW, BUSINESS BOOMS IN BRIGHTON, THE RETURN OF ‘BEHIND THE COUNTER’, 5 TOP TIPS FOR GOOD SERVICE AND MUCH MORE...

This Issue Includes...

• Zoe Thomas pays a visit to Clock Tower Cameras. P15.

• Kodak Alaris’ Paul Davies speaks about the resurrection of film. P18.

• We talk to AP Magazine to find out what is ‘good service’, and why does it need an award? P21.

The Photography Show - What’s In It For You? The Photography Show is a consumer-facing photography show, so what’s in it for the trade?

Sigma releases pricing for new lenses

Sigma has released the availability and pricing of its recent CP+ announcements.

The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A lens will have an RRP of £799.99 including VAT Delivery is expected as follows: Sigma and Canon mount: March Nikon mount: April Sony mount: TBA The Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C lens will have an RRP of £1,199.99 Delivery is expected as follows: Canon mount: March Sigma mount: April Nikon mount: May Sony mount: TBA PHOTO -

IMAGING -

Last year Future debuted The Photography Show, filling the gap left by Focus on Imaging after it closed its doors in 2013 after 24 years. At the time of its sad demise, organiser Mary Walker said: “I am certain that the time is right for the industry to perhaps find fresh opportunities and bring new ideas to photographers – maybe we’re due a new revolution of some kind?”

No pressure then, Future.

Fortunately, the first Photography Show went down impressively well, helping inject much-needed VIDEO

-

AUDIO

-

TV

-

PRINT

positivity and vitality into what has been for many years an uncertain market.

highly targeted, giving trade exhibitors full reign over a massive audience.

Here are some factors we believe made the show a success for the trade:

2. Mix of pro and enthusiast The statistics suggest this show isn’t just attracting professional photographers looking for serious kit. There’s just as much emphasis on enthusiast kit and lowercost accessories. Of the total number of visitors, 12,367 were professional visitors and 17,636 were enthusiast.

1. Footfall The Photography Show 2014 attracted a whopping 30,003 visitors through the NEC doors over four days – not bad for a debut show! With visitors buying tickets to get in, you can be assured that the audience is -

MOBILE

-

STATS

-

PEOPLE

Continued on Page 11.

-

RETAIL

-

BUSINESS

-

NEWS

www.pixel.co.uk 1

11:47

2 www.pixel.co.uk

NEWS

WELCOME To Pixel Magazine Last month we caught up with The Photography Show team to find out what’s in store for dealers heading up to the Birmingham event at the end of March. Now, with just a few weeks to go (where did the time go?!) we turn the spotlight on the trade to see who’s booked their stands and what they hope to achieve during the four days.

Also in this issue we’re relaunching Behind The Counter thanks to popular demand, kicking off with the Camera World team who reveal some of the more bizarre things they’ve been asked by customers.

I recently took the short train journey from Pixel HQ to Brighton to visit Clock Tower Cameras, where owners Ed and Paul were happy to chat about their business and the nature of the trade over a cup of tea. While there, I witnessed a number of under 25s come in to buy film, which inspired another feature in this issue, which investigates the apparent surge in

popularity of film photography amongst the younger generations.

We look at the interesting results of an ILFORD survey, and speak to Kodak Alaris to see if these findings reflect their own sales and understanding of the market.

As usual we report on all the latest products and industry news from the last month, including some of the big launches from CP+ in Japan.

We’ll be up in Birmingham for The Photography Show later this month, visiting all the stands to probe for your latest news and gossip!

Enjoy Your Read!

Zoe, Editor

Changeable Conditions Ahead for the Digital Camera Market

David Macphee, Account Manager at GfK, offers his forecast for the UK’s digital camera market The dark clouds that gathered round the digital camera market worldwide following the launch of photo-capable smartphones have led to stormy conditions in recent years.

The Changeable Lens market has weathered the storm more resiliently than Fixed Lens, including the year to January 2015 where volume saw a 13% decline for Changeable Lens compared with a drop of 27% in

Fixed Lens. 2014 marked a pivotal year in this development when equal value was generated from the Changeable and from Fixed Lens for the first time. This is changing the nature of the market from that of a mass-market product to that of a niche product,

Former Editor Joins Lab As Marketing Manager Former Group Editor of Archant’s photographic titles joins One Vision Imaging Former Editor Adam Scorey has been appointed as Marketing Manager at One Vision Imaging, a professional photographic lab.

Adam has 22 years worth of experience in the photography world, starting out as a professional photographer in the ‘90s before his foray into magazines.

Commenting on his new post, Adam said: “I can’t wait to get started with Derek and the team at

One Vision, a company I have had a long association with and a lot of respect. As a senior management team, we have big plans for the company and it will be my job to not only communicate our message, but to help develop new product lines, services and look for new markets to gain market share in. I can’t wait to get started.”

Adam starts on the 1 March

New Accessories From Joby Low-price photographic accessories Joby has announced the launch of three new accessories for photographers and filmmakers.

cameras and smartphones (when paired with the GripTight Mount).

RRP: £26.

Hub Adaptor Made from aluminium, the hub adaptor enables film makers and photographers to create a flexible setup of hardware for any shooting scenario. RRP: £13.

Hand Grip To be used with the UltraPlate 208, the Hand Grop is designed to provide a secure grip for grabbing steady photos and footage.

RRP: £43.

UltraPlate 208 Part of the ArcaSwiss collection for professionals, the UltraPlate 208 is an extended quick-release plate that includes eight 1/4-20” mounting holes. It can be used with DSLRs, action which brings both pros and cons. In the face of the advancing smartphone front the Digital Camera market hasn’t simply stood still. Convenience

Adaptor Kit The Adaptor Kit includes a range of mounting options for action cams.

RRP: £17.

For more information about the products, visit joby.com has been key to the success of smartphone photography, so manufacturers have focused on the connectivity of Digital Cameras. GfK sales tracking data observed value and volume growth for WiFi embedded for Total Digital Camera of 58% and 35% respectively in the year to January 15. More on pixel.com

Come visit us at: Stand H61 The Photography Show 2015 takes place in hall 5 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Saturday 21 March 10:00 – 18:00 Sunday 22 March 10:00 – 18:00 Monday 23 March 10:00 – 18:00 Tuesday 24 March 10:00 – 17:00

Great show offers Come join us on the stand H61

Tel: 01485 536 200 email: sales@swains.co.uk web: www.swains.co.uk

www.pixel.co.uk 3

NEWS ‘Future of Cameras is in a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone’

Controversial words indeed, and spoken (of course) by the brand in its ‘Samsung Tomorrow’ blog.

In a teaser launched in February, Samsung said its soon-to-bereleased Galaxy S6 would have the best smartphone camera it had ever produced.

“Passion and dedication has been put into building the cameras for the release of our 2015 flagship model,” the blog reads. “It will be intelligent and do all the thinking for users, allowing them to take amazing pictures under any conditions, without having to worry about anything more than just pressing the shutter button.”

Robert White Connecting With Customers

Poole-based camera shop Robert White has been hosting open days for a number of years now, inviting customers in-store to get hands-on with new products and speak to experts.

“These events are always very popular and beneficial for us as well as the manufacturer involved and the end users themselves,” said Hardy Haase, managing director of Flaghead Photographic (now incorporating Robert White Photo).

Hardy added: “We want to help photographers take better images by expanding their knowledge of the product, which we hope will generate sales. We want to guild ongoing relations with both our customers and suppliers.”

4 www.pixel.co.uk

Top Camera Trends At Japan’s CP+ There’s been a full-frame frenzy in Yokohama, Japan

Industry data shows premium cameras are surging forward as manufacturers resist the takeover from smartphones. Now brands including Canon and Pentax are encouraging photographers to upgrade to higher-end models with unique features and more megapixels than ever.

This week is CP+, Japan’s biggest camera expo - now in its sixth year at the Yokohama exhibition centre (it had been going for half a century as the Japan Camera Show before relocating and rebranding in 2009).

Seeing as Japanese manufacturers claim about 85% of the world’s market for digital cameras, and 99% of interchangeable lens camera sales, it makes sense for them to host a show every now and then.

Canon pulled out the big guns earlier this week with the new 5DS and 5DS R, boasting 50.8MP and pitched as a ‘new breed’ of DSLR. Pentax too showed its drive to keep up with its competitors by unveiling a prototype of its first fullframe SLR - due to ship at the end of 2015. The company announced it would also be producing two full-frame-ready lenses, the HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm F4.55.6ED DC AW and the 70-200mm

F2.8ED DC AW, both ready for shipment in March.

Other launches from the event included the Olympus Air, which is similar in design and concept to Sony’s QX line of lenses for smartphones. Elsewhere at the show, Sigma launched a new camera following its successful launch of the DP2 Quattro last year.

The DPO Quattro incorporates the same APS-C Foveon sensor with a new 14mm f/4 wide-angle lens.

The company has also launched a 24mm f/1.4 art lens compatible with full-frame cameras.

The CP+ expo, which is organised by the Camera & Imaging Products Association, ran from Thursday February 12 and ended on Sunday 15.

Pro-Level Toshiba Hard Drives Store More Photographers can now store more images than ever with the new Toshiba 4 TB and 5 TB internal hard drives The new MD Series comprises of two 3.5” internal hard drives, available in March: the PX3009E-1HP0 (4 TB) and PX3010E1HQ0 (5 TB).

Toshiba has said the drives are not only ‘very fast’ but also operate silently.

The company has also said both are “Extremely suited for users with high demands on

their technical products.”

The 7200 rpm platter, 128MB memory buffer and Native Command Queuing means pros can work faster without unnecessary waiting for load and save times.

The MD Series features 6.0 Gb/s interface speed.

Consumption is also low, with power-friendly components keeping heat build-up at a minimum.

Arnaud Bonvarlet, General Manager, Storage Peripherals

Division, Toshiba Europe GmbH: “With these hard drives customers can enjoy the performance and trust the reliability underlying the speed and increased storage capacity. Yet again they profit from Toshiba’s experience as a worldwide pioneer in hard drives of more than forty years.

RRP: - 4 TB £269 - 5 TB £310 Available: March

Color Confidence Announced as New Distributor of ExpoImaging Lighting Tools New improvements have been made to ExpoImaging lighting products Color Confidence has been announced as the new distributor of ExpoImaging’s range of lighting tools for photographic professionals.

The partnership comes as ExpoImaging, best known for its popular Rogue FlashBender speed-light modifiers, announces a number of improvements to the portable

range. For example, the Rogue FlashBender 2 Reflectors are now 20-30% lighter, made with new, softer fabrics for easier movement.

“ExpoImaging is a well-known lighting accessory manufacturer in the photography market and we are pleased to welcome such an exciting vendor to our expanding product portfolio,” said Geoffrey Clements, Managing

Director at Color Confidence. “This product launch has been timed perfectly, and we are delighted to be distributing ExpoImaging’s improved range of lighting equipment to the photography market.”

“Photographers’ reaction to the original Rogue FlashBenders exceeded all our expectations,” said Erik Sowder, CEO of ExpoImaging, Inc. “The FlashBenders’ versatility and portability have made them an integral part of a location shooters lighting gear.”

Experience the new

at The Photography Show “Overall, the α7 II is a highly recommended full frame CSC that improves where it was needed and offers huge imaging potential in a lightweight body.

It’s a camera that’ll seek attention from those after one of the smallest, yet most powerful full frame cameras on the market.”

Amateur Photographer, 5 Stars and Gold Award, Jan 15

“One of the most compact and appealing full frame cameras around.”

GOLD

What Digital Camera, 5 Stars out of 5 / Gold Award

Visit Sony on stand D71 to get hands on with the latest addition to the award winning Sony a7 series, the world’s first full-frame camera with optical 5-axis image stabilisation, the Sony α7 II. The Sony team will be running a series of seminars during the show specifically about the a7 Series, the seminars are free of charge if you have a show ticket. So, come along to Piazza Suite 4 and find out more, schedule below: Saturday 21st March Sunday 22nd March Monday 23rd March Tuesday 24th March

13.45 - 14.30 12.30 - 13.15 16.15 - 17.00 14.00 - 14.45 There will also be an opportunity to hear from Professional Photographer and Sony Imaging Ambassador Andrew Scriven© on the Streetscape stage. Andrew is a world renowned wildlife photographer be inspired by his ‘Erasing the fear to see we are all connected’ seminar.

Monday 23rd March Tuesday 24th March

14.00 - 14.30 15.00 - 15.30

For more information about the Sony Imaging range visit: www.sony.co.uk www.pixel.co.uk 5

NEWS When Does Inspiration Strike?

‘Touch and Try’ Zones - Plus More 2015 Changes From Calumet Calumet Photographic has unveiled details of its plans for 2015, kicking off with completed work on the flagship store on Drummond Street, London

Electric Light - Photo by Alan Cleaver

Whether it’s about photography, your business, or life, the Universe and everything, chances are you’ve had a ‘light bulb’ moment at some point in your life.

Now a survey by Samsung has found that Brits have their best ideas in bed, and we each get an average of four of them in our lifetimes.

Over a third (34%) of respondents said their ideas came to them in bed, while 28% said they appeared in the shower and 18% had their moments in the car.

This can only be good news for the UK economy – many ambitious Brits claim their light bulb moments had the most impact on their career over any other aspect of their lives.

In fact, a quarter said their big idea changed their career path, causing 22% of people to hand in their notice on a whim.

A very fortunate 16% said their brainwave earned them an average of £51,797.

Andy Griffiths, President of Samsung UK, said: “Innovation is the linchpin behind our society, building our businesses, driving our economy and keeping the world connected.

“Although not all of us can be the next Berners Lee, our research shows Britons are full of ‘light bulb moments’ with brainwaves striking in all sorts of places. The UK relies on us continuing to innovate, so it’s encouraging to see so many people have invested in their big ideas, paving the way for the next world-changing innovation.’’

Calumet’s refurbishment includes a new store layout with a dedicated used equipment area, a ‘digital workflow zone’, a studio lighting showcase and touch-and-try zones from manfrotto and Wacom. More changes are expected in the coming months, including a fully functioning studio area and dedicated Epson demonstration suite.

A new blog has also been launched, led by professional portrait photographer Rory Lewis, who delivers the latest news on equipment and techniques from his shoots. He will also offer purpose testing of Calumet’s collection of professional equipment, tuition tips

and hands-on experiences and practical reviews of the latest kit.

The store has also introduced a new local rate number (0333 003 5000) and a price match promise, in which customers have seven days to claim the difference if they find the

same product cheaper from another UK retailer.

Jon Warner, Managing Director at Calumet Photographic UK, said: “At Calumet, we are highly customer focused and are always striving to give our customers great value, greater choice and the very best experience. The Drummond Street store refit is very exciting, the shop looks refreshed and we’re sure customers will enjoy their visit even more. We are delighted to have a new phone number which is local rate and included in most mobile minutes; this is something that is important to our customers and we value their feedback.”

How Customers Are Using Mobiles reveals how shoppers are bringing online competition In-Store GfK into bricks-and-mortar stores A survey by analyst firm GfK found that four in 10 shoppers use their mobile phones while shopping in-store to compare prices. Another four in 10 use their ‘phone a friend’ card, contacting friends or family for advice while the shop.

Over a third of shoppers use their mobiles to photograph the products they’re thinking of buying.

GfK asked mobile phone users across 23 countries what activities the regularly do on their phone while physically shopping.

Amongst the results, they found that half of global shoppers aged 20-29 compare prices online while inside a store.

Globally, men outweighed women on using their mobile phone inside a store to compare prices on a regular basis, standing at 42% and 37% respectively.

The most active age group was

20-29, with nearly half (49%) saying they regularly do this, followed by those aged 15-19 and 30-39, both at 45%.

Adrian Hobbs, Managing Director of Online Pricing Intelligence at GfK, said: “Having a close and realtime eye on the pricing of online competitors and reacting quickly are now key success factors for physical retailers, as well as online ones.”

Globally, men and women were found to be almost equally likely to use their mobile phones inside a store to contact a friend or family member for advice.

Young adults aged 20-29 lead on this particular activity at 48%, while teens aged 15-19 follow closely (47%) and those aged 30-39 trail at 40%.

Sales staff must find a way to handle this new external influence in-store.

GfK’s findings only reiterate the importance of engaging with customers when they walk through the door. The very act of going into a shop instead of shopping online means they are looking for a different experience - whether to see the product in real life, or to ask questions about it and get advice.

By interacting, you lower the risk of them going elsewhere for a cheaper price. You show them that the value is in your shop and your service: working with them to supply their needs and facilitate their photography hobby wherever it takes them.

Pixel Welcomes New Team Member

Pixel is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Commercial Manager, Patrick McCreanor

Patrick joins us after a 17 year career in publishing and broadcasting in London, where he successfully managed various

6 www.pixel.co.uk

publications, events, TV shows and their respective teams.

Commenting on his new

role, Patrick said: “Its a great time to be joining Pixel as we enter a very exciting stage.

I look forward to being a part of the future successes at Pixel, as well as meeting and working with our various partners.”

www.pixel.co.uk 7

NEWS Lomography Announces New Products

Park Cameras Raises Over £790 for Sussex Hospice

Staff at Park Cameras ran a relay race on an in-store treadmill to raise money for St. Peter & St. James’ Hospice

The popular instant photography brand has launched new products.

Lomography has announced new additions to its instant photography range, including: Lomo’Instant Boston A new red and blue edition of the Lomo’Instant camera.

Lomo’Instant Splitzer A filter that offers a fun, colourful way to mix up multiple exposures.

Diana F+ Honey Comb It’s a special edition medium format Diana F+ with a honeycomb pattern across the body.

La Sardina DIY White Day Tripper Bundle A new ‘dress’ (cover) for the sardine can-shaped camera (35mm film).

Diana Mini and Flash Package - Twilight Blue The Diana Mini shoots 35mm and produces lo-fi shots with a choice of half-frame and square-frame.

This special edition is a twilight blue colour.

Petzval Lens This Nikon-mount lens is designed to produce shots with sharp focus areas and a ‘swirly’ bokeh effect.

Russar+ Lens An update on the 1956 Russar, offering a modified lens tube now compatible with L39 and M mount analogue cameras, digital mirrorless and others (with adaptor mounts).

8 www.pixel.co.uk

A team of 13 employees ran a total of 45.7 miles – the equivalent distance between Park Cameras’ Burgess Hill and London stores.

Things got steamy in the Burgess Hill store as the team began their challenge amongst the cameras, lenses, bags and tripods. Kind customers came in to donate what they could to the cause.

Park Cameras chose to raise money for St. Peter & St. James’

Hospice as this is a charity based in the local area that many of the staff feels particularly strongly about.

The hospice receives just 14% of their funding from the government, and have to raise more than £2.6 million every year through fundraising events. That’s £7,200 every single day.

Park Cameras HR manager Adel Charles said: “We are delighted to have been able to raise £795.77 for St. Peter & St. James’ Hospice.

Whilst the team here went through a bit of pain and quite a lot of sweat, and I certainly know this first hand, it makes it worthwhile knowing the money raised will help all at St. Peter & St. James continue with the fantastic care, love and support they provide for those in the community that need it.”

Their Just Giving page is still available to view and donate to, should you wish. Simply visit www.JustGiving.com/ parkcamerasrun

NEC Promise ‘Pixel-Free’ Image Quality

New 4K UHD SpectraView Reference Monitor ‘ideal’ for photographers NEC has launched the 31.5” UHD display that, according to the company offers ‘pixel-free’ professional image quality and full colour, thanks to the 10-bit IPS panel type with uniformity control.

The new SpectraView Reference 322UHD display is 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), 31.5-inch, and has a 3840x2160 resolution.

The SpectraView Reference 322UHD monitor has been designed for all creative professionals,

designers, photographers and video editors. It reproduces 99% Adobe RGB colour space with 14-bit hardware calibration LUT. “The NEC 31.5inch SpectraView Reference display sets a new industry benchmark and users that rely on colourcritical displays will benefit from the continuous improvement in

this benchmark. This latest display incorporates many exacting requirements to provide complete colour confidence as well as crucial productivity gains,” said Christopher Parker, Product Line Manager of Desktop Displays at NEC Display Solutions Europe. www.colorconfidence.com

Well THAT’s An Incentive…

Wilkinson and Panasonic treat staff to Barcelona trip Panasonic recently ran a staff incentive with Wilkinson Cameras, offering winners a trip to Barcelona to see Barcelona v Villarreal from the Panasonic Box at Camp Nou. Between 1 November 2014 to 4 January 2015, staff were awarded points for every Panasonic product sold – with extra points awarded for any 4K products sold.

Congratulations to the lucky winners: • Michael Threlfall • Simon Barker • Joseph Lawson • Samuel Mossop • Adam Brown • Keith Smethurst • Anthony Houston The team was joined by Panasonic’s Robin Gower, Mark

Baber and Ian Cook, as well as Wilkinson MD David Parkinson.

David said: “Quick note to say huge thank you to all for organising a great event, we all enjoyed the trip very much and I’m sure we’ll see lots of Barcelona pictures being shared over the next few weeks.

The guys are so pro Panasonic, I’m confident that the incentive scheme not only generated extra sales , but that the knowledge gained from Mark and the hospitality shown

will generate brand loyalty that will be impossible to measure going forward.”

The winners stayed at the seafacing W Barcelona Hotel, enjoying panoramic views over the city after lunch at Mamarosa Beach restaurant and the game at Barcelona FC. The following day they drove GoCars around the city taking in the sights before returning to the airport.

Claire Eaton-Whitfield from Panasonic said: “This is the first time we have run such a promotion and we are looking to work with other retailers on the best incentives to support their business. We are always looking at new ways to support the different retailers and would welcome them to discuss these types of opportunities with us.”

Panasonic is now running the same incentive with Jessops.

BEHIND THE COUNTER

Behind The Counter

This is an exciting moment: due to popular demand, we’ve resurrected Pixel’s famous Behind The Counter section, where the spotlight’s on you

Behind the Counter turns the spotlight on counter staff in photographic shops across the country with a mix of silly and (slightly more) pertinent questions. Thanks to Martin and the team at Camera World for agreeing to take part in the feature’s come-back this month!

If you own/run/work in a camera shop and you’d like to get involved, please email zoe@pixel.co.uk What’s the most ridiculous thing a customer’s ever said to you?

“My phone will do far better photos than that (pointing to the Sinar Norma)” (James Gilbert) “Do you sell big button telephones?”

(Karen Wright)

What’s your favourite camera?

It’s a tie between an F2AS with all the trimmings and my old Rolleiflex T (James Gilbert) Hasselblad 503CW & Makro Planar 120mm F4 CFi (I worked on these for years as an assistant, Stunning) (Martin Anderson)

If you could sum up the photographic industry in three words, what would they be?

Bigger is better (James Gilbert) Incestuous, exciting and developing ;-) (Martin Anderson) Competitive, Challenging & Stubborn (Jordy van Zanten)

“Do you sell rechargeable batteries for Kidney Dialysis machines?” “I need one fairly quickly!” (Martin Anderson)

Rolleiflex 3.5F (Karen Wright) Nikon D7000 (Graham Thompson)

What’s the average age of your customers?

I had a customer who had ordered some Kentmere black & white darkroom fibre based paper; it has been on order for about three weeks. When it was collected the customer said: “I can’t wait to see what this is like” and then proceeded to open the box and see what it was like. Luckily it was sealed and I stopped them from fogging the paper (Martin Anderson)

Canon EOS 5D Mark III (Jordy van Zanten)

“Do you sell Cameras?”

(Jordy van Zanten)

Fuji X-T1 with the 56mm non APD (Karen Wright)

I would say the average of our customer is mid-forty’s upwards. We have a strong camera club base in Chelmsford and surrounding areas and they do tend to be the slightly older audience with more disposable income and more time to enjoy their hobby.

We have been getting a lot of younger newcomers to our shop as we have lost a couple of local indi retailers and of course since Jessops shut their doors. Our “Gold Retailer Good Serve Award” gives a potential new customer that piece of mind to feel comfortable in shopping with us online as well as in the two branches

Q: How much is that camera?

A: £999 Q: If I was to leave £50 on the counter will you walk away? (Martin Anderson)

Olympus 40‑150mm f2.8 PRO & MC‑14 M.Zuiko with 1.4x Teleconverter (Martin Anderson)

“Do you sell 240w fallopian tubes?” (He meant florescent) (Martin Anderson) “You want dodgy DVD’s, boy, girl, animal?”

Canon EOS 7DII (Brad Law) If you could take home any product in the shop - for free, what would it be?

Do we have an M3 (preferably double-stroke) in stock? (James Gilbert)

GoPro Hero4 Black (Graham Thompson) The new Canon 100-400 MKII (Brad Law) The new Sigma 24mm 1.4 (Jordy van Zanten)

What camera has attracted the most attention in the shop over the last month?

The Canon 5Ds has recently been the most talked about camera in the last two weks but the Gopro range was huge over Christmas. Its just doing the job and offers so much choicec that is not just for photography buffs. The Fuji X-Pro1 Twin Lens kit due to he deals and Fuji offers, the design on Fuji cameras just works.

www.pixel.co.uk 9

Gemini by Bowens

creative freedom without compromise Step up to consistent color stability and precision lighting control. With unmatched durability, it’s easy to see why Bowens has been a premier lighting brand for over 50 years.

Gemini is available in seven models, from 200Ws to 1500Ws. Choose AC power or the optional battery pack for the most versatile flash lighting system available today.

Bowens.co.uk Distributed by Bowens • 01255 422807 ‘Bowens’® and ‘the power behind the picture’® are registered trademarks of Bowens International Ltd.

10 www.pixel.co.uk

THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

The Photography Show Continued...

A

closer look at the market reveals that out of the pro visitors: • 46% were professional photographers (main business) • 37% were professional photographers (secondary business) • 4% were retailers • 2% owned studios • 1% were photographic agencies • 10% other Out of the enthusiast market: • 51% were intermediate level photographers • 29% were advanced level • 12% were beginners • 9% were considering turning pro

was a break with the past. The speakers and events around the main exhibition brought in a new audience which was both large and engaged. The Society had its best exhibition ever and Future is to be congratulated on its achievement.”

In line with Mary Walker’s hopes for a 5. Trade satisfaction ‘revolution’ in the industry, Clare-Louise, CEO At the show, 86% of exhibitors rebooked their of the Master Photographers Association, said stand for 2015 and feedback was impressive. that Future had ‘bought a much needed new lease of life to the “At the show, 86% of exhibitors rebooked their show’. She added that there was stand for 2015 and feedback was impressive. ‘an air of positivity and excitement amongst visitors and trade’. number one reason visitors attended the show was to see new products, suggesting that the Photography Show is a great launchpad for manufacturers, and a chance for visitors to get hands-on with new kit.

Calumet Photographic described it as their ‘most rewarding exhibition to date”

3. Ready to spend According to a survey, professional photographers said they spent or will spend on average £6,251 throughout their visit. For enthusiasts, the average was £634.

Calumet Photographic described it as their ‘most rewarding exhibition to date’, while Canon said it was a ‘good opportunity for us to speak with people at all stages of their photography journey’.

4. Curiosity There was a buzz at the show - a sense of renewed interest and excitement which always helps to inspire and generate sales. The

6. In tune with trends Dr Michael Pritchard, Director General of The Royal Photographic Society, commended last year’s show, saying: “The Photography Show

7. Diverse markets One of the most obvious benefits of attending a trade show is the exposure to new audiences. Crowds of photo enthusiasts are drawn from all over the UK to visit The Photography Show, so while trade sales might usually be dictated by location, here retailers could be dealing with customers from anywhere in the country.

Here were some interesting findings from 2014: • Most enthusiast photographers came from

www.pixel.co.uk 11

THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW the East Midlands, suggesting convenience is a major factor when considering whether or not to attend.

• A fair number of enthusiasts came from London (7.1%), perhaps thanks to the fast train route between Euston and Birmingham.

• 0.4% of enthusiast and 0.5% of professional visitors came all the way from Northern Ireland.

• More pros ventured over the Welsh border than enthusiasts, standing at 5.1% and 4% respectively.

8. No fleeting visits When visitors arrived, they were in it for the long-haul. Professionals stayed marginally longer than enthusiasts on average, at 5.94

hours compared to 5.35 hours respectively. No wonder one of the only criticisms of the show was lack of sufficient rest areas!

9. Room for everyone The NEC allows space for all members of the industry, from insurance providers to camera manufacturers. Last year: • Professional photographers were more likely to be looking for cameras (70%), while enthusiasts were more likely to look for accessories (82%).

• Only 35% of enthusiasts were looking for studio equipment, compared to 55% pro.

• Pros were more interested in photo books and albums than enthusiasts (39% compared to 28%)

• Only 4% of enthusiasts were looking for film, compared to 5% pro.

• 12% of pro visitors were looking for video equipment, compared to just 5% enthusiast.

10. More than just a stand The Photography Show offers exhibitors more than just a stand. They also get: • Profile in the show guide • Profile in the show app • E-tickets to invite clients and prospects • Discount codes for clients and prospects • Banners and show logos for website • PR and marketing support and advice • Complimentary show tickets for running competitions

What can we expect from...

Lomography

Tetenal

Colour Confidence

“Lomography is very excited to once again be a part of the annual Photography Show and have a host of workshops to entice analogue and digital shooters alike. We are offering participants the chance to build their own SLR film camera as well as on-site DianaF+ 120 film camera shooting. We are also pleased to say we have a dedicated booth stocked with the latest range including our latest Lomo’Instant camera and the amazing Petzval Art Lens for DSLR cameras. You can find us at hall 5, stand G42 for all your analogue and film needs! Discounts and freebies are on offer for both retail and trade.”

“The Photography Show is a really important date in our calendar. The opportunity to speak to a wide number of customers in one place and discuss how we can help with the challenges they face is invaluable. The show seems to be going from strength to strength and is attracting a wide variety of consumers and businesses, something that’s reflected in the breadth of products on our stand this year.

As with most businesses we all have our targets we’d like to achieve at the show but what’s really important for us is that we have the opportunity to talk through what’s new.

That’s important not only for us as a business but also our customers, both new and old, as new products, diversification and innovation is what will continue to drive the sector forward.”

Look out for: Latest developments in Kodak Alaris’ Net To Retail concept; full Epson SureLab hardware suite, including new D700 and D7 Studio concept; Makerbot 3D desktop printer; new sublimation package available to view for the first time. Find all this and more at Stand C101.

“The Photography Show is the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the extensive range of colour management products and solutions we distribute to the photographic market.

This is our biggest ever presence at the show. We will be situated on Stands F21 and F31 with industry leading brands such as X-Rite, NEC, DxO, Tecco, and our two new vendors BenQ and ExpoImaging.

The show allows us to offer help, advice and solutions for a variety of colour management needs. We look forward to talking to resellers about our existing brand portfolio as well as our two innovative new vendors.”

- Liana Joyce, General Manager

12 www.pixel.co.uk

- Phil Barker, Tetenal Sales Director

- Geoffrey Clements, Managing Director

FUJIFILM

Fujifilm Aims To Inspire At The Photography Show

We catch up with Marketing Manager Peter Wigington to find out what Fujifilm has lined up for Birmingham Frontier S (3 printer option)

DPX Digital Photo Print Centre

F

print more images like the Instax Mini. Part It is essentially a photography boutique ujifilm’s mission is to revitalise consumer of the company’s research found that the designed to ‘create a retail experience that print – to show the world how much value average woman in her 20s takes around 500 matches the pace of today’s smartphone there is in the physical image. This is as photos a year, and at least half of all women culture’, according to the press release. It much a social venture as it is commercial. The take a smartphone photo every day. This is was opened by Fujifilm’s President Shigehiro value for the trade is in selling more photo part of the huge customer-base Fujifilm hopes Nakajima, and in his opening speech he gave products such as albums, photobooks and to inspire. the message that ‘living with photography merchandise. The value for the customer is Peter continued: “We’ll also have our improves one’s life’. in having a real, tangible photograph in front range of photo imaging equipment of course “Fujifilm looks to spread the enjoyment of of them. This enables them to preserve their - Drylab 650, Frontier S, DPCmemories in a way digital images on 10 kiosk, wide format printer, a hard-drive can’t achieve.

“We are using the strap-line ‘Be Inspired’ to Xerox 6270 greeting card printer, We wanted to know whether bring together the four cornerstones of our stand Case Station phone case printer, Fujifilm’s stand at this year’s - all under the Wonder Photography Show will reflect this space - our exciting range of X series cameras, Wunderbar Photo Shop roof. ethos, so we got in touch with Peter “Star of the Photo Imaging show Wigington for a quick preview. our very popular Instax Mini, Wonder Photo will be Frontier S and DPX Digital “We are really excited about this Shop and Fujifilm Imagine software” Print Centre,” he said. year’s Photography Show,” he told The Frontier S is designed to free us. “We are using the strap-line ‘Be up space and therefore increase Inspired’ to bring together the four productivity, housing up to three DX100 dry analogue photography to a new generation of cornerstones of our stand space - our exciting lab printers and sitting in only 0.75sqm of young people,” the press release reads. range of X series cameras, our very popular floorspace. DPX is a self service unit and can Peter said: “The Wonder Photo Shop store Instax Mini, Wonder Photo Shop and Fujifilm house two DX100 drylab printers and takes concept will really help the photo retailer see Imagine software.” up only 0.36 sq m of floor space. how Fujifilm can help them merchandise all the If you haven’t heard of the ‘Wonder Photo fantastic ways in which photos can be used.”

Shop’ before, you could be forgiven. Most of The concept store essentially stocks the information about the project online is in Fujifilm will be located at Stand D12 at products to inspire (inspire being Fujifilm’s Japanese – and the shop itself is based in the The Photography Show buzzword) young photographers to take and trendy Tokyo district of Harajuku.

www.pixel.co.uk 13

Introducing two new vendors Distributed exclusively by Color Confidence Europe’s leading colour management specialist and distributor into the digital imaging markets

What you see is what you get The new PG2401PT colour critical monitor for photographers

Bend Light To Your Will

The new and improved FlashBender 2 is exclusively distributed by Color Confidence

Image courtesy of Frank Doorhof

Reseller enquiries welcome For more information call 0121 684 1234

or e-mail sales@colorconfidence.com

14 www.pixel.co.uk

Visit us at The Photography Show March 21st-24th, NEC Birmingham - Stand F21 and F31 www.colorconfidence.com

BIG INTERVIEW

Business Booms in Brighton Edward Iwanczuk and Paul Wrede run one of the only camera shops left in the Brighton area. Here, Zoe Thomas pays a visit to find out how business is going…

“We’ve been hit hard by the Internet. Luckily we’re very specialist. We’ve made a name for ourselves by being different. We have an olde-worlde thing going on – both with shop and staff”

C

lock Tower Cameras is one of a dying breed: a ‘proper camera shop’.

You step through the door and find yourself surrounded floor to ceiling by tripods, camera bags, lens caps, second hand SLRs, straps, film and even the odd selfie stick.

“They flew off the shelves over Christmas,” Ed says, pointing to the trending device. “But it tailed off a bit when Chinese manufacturers caught on and started selling cheap replicas over the Internet. Chinese stuff depresses me,” he says. “How can we compete with such low prices?”

Since they opened 20 years ago, Internet shopping has been the biggest obstacle Ed and Paul have had to overcome.

“We’ve been hit hard by the Internet.

Luckily we’re very specialist. We’ve made a name for ourselves by being different. We have an olde-worlde thing going on – both with shop and staff,” Ed laughs.

“People walk into the shop and go - wow!”

Paul adds. “There’s so much stock here, so much to look at.”

And it’s true. It’s this ‘treasure-trove’ feeling that differentiates Clock Tower from its local competitors – namely Park Cameras in Burgess Hill. While Park Cameras has a large, modern retail space with a wide variety of new stock from major photographic brands, at Clock Tower Cameras there is a sense that you can dive in and find anything from any era. For keen photographers, this is a real draw.

Paul tells me about an elderly gentleman

www.pixel.co.uk 15

Brighton Clock Tower - photosteve101

BIG INTERVIEW

at City Camera Exchange which used to be shop regularly attracts students looking for who came in looking for a bulb for a located on Brighton’s Western Road. film cameras and supplies.

50-year-old projector. “We actually had one!

“I learnt so much working at City Camera “We’re lucky here because of all the Even I was surprised,” he says. “It’s a case Exchange,” Paul says. “I learnt more there University campuses and colleges in of, the wider we cast our net, the more fish than I did working as a photographer’s Brighton,” Ed says when they leave. There’s we catch.” assistant, just because of all the questions the definitely been a popularity boost for film “We have a lot of regular custom,” Paul customers would ask. It meant I had to know amongst the younger generations.” continues while Ed deals with a couple of the products through and through. Knowledge Ed adds: “Definitely, younger kids are young women who just walked through the is the key. getting into traditional photography. There’s door. “We have one chap who comes in “Both our parents were shop owners,” he a novelty to it. The main bulk of our business every week to look at our binoculars, and continues. “My parents ran a sweet he nearly always buys something. shop and Ed’s ran a fish and chip shop, There’s another customer who comes in regularly to buy lenses “This year the pair are celebrating their 20th so we both grew up helping out in a retail environment from a young age.” and have a chat. It’s a friendly year in business – impressive for an industry Ed went on to study design at community here. We like to build University, while Paul studied sculpture relationships with our customers that’s seen some huge changes in that time. at Kingston. and get to know them.”

They met at their previous jobs, working at The first shop they bought together Photography is by nature a was located by the iconic clock tower in ‘gadgety’ hobby. As your skills City Camera Exchange which used to be Brighton’s city centre, hence the name improve, you realise you need the located on Brighton’s Western Road” of the business. They tell me it was technology to take you to the next much smaller than their current shop level. There is a collectors appeal: but due to its central location, had a a desire to build collections and greater footfall. is second hand lenses, which they love. Old buy all the components. This is what keeps “It’s weird – even though we had more lenses are much better quality. They’re made customers coming back to Clock Tower people coming into the shop when it was of glass so they’re heavier, more aesthetically Cameras – they appreciate the advice from opposite the clock tower, the business is pleasing. You get these new lenses and Paul and Ed and, often, just want to wax doing much better now,” Ed says. they’re just so light and plastic, and so lyrical about their favourite pastime.

Four years ago, the shop moved to its expensive. We stock beautiful Russian I overhear one of the customers in the current location on Church Street, tucked lenses. It opens up a new world for young shop say she’s looking for black and white away from the main road leading from the photographers.” film, as she couldn’t find any in Birmingham. railway station. There used to be a Jessops This year the pair are celebrating their 20th Ed locates the product effortlessly from the store just around the corner, but the partners year in business – impressive for an industry shelf behind him and makes the sale. insist the proximity was actually good for that’s seen some huge changes in that time.

With Brighton University and City College business.

They met at their previous jobs, working Brighton & Hove just around the corner, the

16 www.pixel.co.uk

THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW

“There’s a lot of competition in second hand camera sales, but we listen to our customers and we stock a lot of lines. We have to be open minded.

Sometimes you look at something and think ‘nah it’ll never sell’, then it surprises you and flies off the shelf.”

“I think Jessops drew customers into this area,” Ed says. “If Jessops didn’t have what they were looking for, they would come down the hill to us. It was good for business!”

In fact their first employee, Shaun Hamlin, came to the business directly from Jessops.

“Shaun’s great,” Ed adds. “He helps us out with the website and keeps our social media accounts up-to-date with new stock and such like.”

I notice on the counter there’s an old sepia photograph of what I assume to be the exterior of the shop when it was a tea-room called Snell’s Snell’s.

Paul sees me looking. “There’s an interesting story here. A few weeks ago two little old ladies came into the shop – they said they both used to work here as waitresses when they were young women.

They were walking around trying to work out where everything had been back in the day.”

You don’t get that from an Internet shop.

When you own a physical, bricks and mortar shop, you’re not just selling products: you are joining and serving a community that has a personality and a heritage. Brighton is a unique city in that 70% of the shops are independently run.

“Brighton’s really laid back. There is a sense here that locals want to support independent shops,” Paul agrees. “People here want to come in and sift through things themselves. Especially with our camera bags. We find a lot of people get really frustrated trying to find something online, so they come in for help. As I said before, there is a lot of cheap tat on the Internet so at least when you come in-store you know you’re getting quality. You can feel the bag and look it over before you buy. There’s also less choice here, which can actually be a good thing. The Internet can be quite overwhelming for some people.”

Ed adds that their customers are fantastic ‘99.9% of the time’.

I’m interested to know how another emerging technological trend has affected their business: smartphone photography.

“It doesn’t affect us too much because we mostly sell secondhand DSLRs, lenses, filters and accessories. But over Christmas I think we sold about two compact digital cameras,” Ed jokes.

“But ultimately it should be a good thing for the industry,” he adds. “People come in and say ‘I’ve tried to blow up this image I took on my smartphone but it’s too blurry’ so they want to upgrade.”

Paul adds: “Smartphone photography allows creativity, and encourages people to get interested in photography. They want bigger sensors so their images look better.

Everything comes around in this industry.”

It’s clear that the pair understand their market. There’s no snobbery, no bias: they stock what their customers want.

“It’s intuition, I suppose,” says Ed. “There’s a lot of competition in secondhand

camera sales, but we listen to our customers and we stock a lot of lines. We have to be open minded. Sometimes you look at something and think ‘nah it’ll never sell’, then it surprises you and flies off the shelf.”

He tells me that reps come to the shop every six weeks or so to show them products.

“If the reps didn’t come out to see us we probably wouldn’t buy so much. There are fewer and fewer in the industry. Today there’s just a few reps serving huge areas, so they don’t visit as often.”

“We have a really good relationship with our suppliers. We get loads of support from companies like Swains and Intro2020.”

Today the shop thrives. For the short time I’m in there, there is near enough a steady stream of customers coming in, asking for advice and leaving happy, product in hand. I think their success is down to a mix of being located in artistic, laid-back, liberal-minded Brighton, and their own business sense and optimism. Here’s to the next 20 years!

www.pixel.co.uk 17

FILM

The Resurrection of Film

Recent surveys show film is gaining popularity amongst young crowds. Here, we speak to Paul Davies at Kodak Alaris to see if this is reflected in sales

“We’ve seen evidence of a renewed interest in Kodak Professional film among commercial photographers, wedding photographers, artists, photo enthusiasts and across all age groups….but particularly younger photographers”

P

ixel recently published a survey

by ILFORD PHOTO, which asked thousands of people across 70 countries questions about their use of film.

They found that 30% of the film users who responded were under 35, and 60% of these respondents had only started using film in the last five years. The implications of these findings are interesting. It suggests it’s not just the ‘original film generation’ still hanging onto traditional photography. It’s the younger ‘digital generation’ discovering film for the first time.

Interestingly only 2% shoot exclusively in colour, while 31% said they shoot exclusively in B&W, suggesting film users are perhaps striving for an old-fashioned, high-art look. Of course, this could have something to do with ILFORD’s sample.

We recently spoke to Paul Davies at Kodak Alaris to find out if these survey findings reflect their own research.

Have you seen a resurgence of interest in film?

18 www.pixel.co.uk

We’ve seen evidence of a renewed interest in Kodak Professional film among commercial photographers, wedding photographers, artists, photo enthusiasts and across all age groups….but particularly younger photographers. The interest also includes photographers who have tried digital and come back to film, or in some cases younger photographers who grew up on digital and look for something different in their photography. It’s been exciting to watch.

Have you noticed film appealing to younger generations/untraditional markets?

Yes. Many young photographers are passionate about film. The majority of the annual ‘30 under 30’ photographers selected

by Photo District News over the past year have used Kodak Professional film (many together with digital).

What’s the appeal of film?

Photographers typically shoot film to achieve a particular look and feel in order to

FILM

distinguish themselves from other shooters.

Often times that ‘look and feel’ also extends to workflow – for example, if they are shooting our Tri-X black and white film, many love to process in their own darkroom. That’s a lot more ‘hands on’ and specialised in nature than editing image files sitting in front of a computer screen. Too many young photographers who grew up knowing only digital capture, film offers something new and unique.

Will Kodak continue producing film?

Film is part of our heritage, and we’ll do everything in our power to keep it going.

That said, since Kodak Professional film is manufactured and finished by the Eastman Kodak Company (EKC) in Rochester, we are dependent on and have an agreement with EKC for continued supply of film. We’d love to continue to sell it and will do so as long as it remains a viable, profitable business.

Part of ILFORD’s survey asked open questions about why people liked using film.

When asked “What first attracted you to using film?” comments included: • “It’s fun” • “It’s retro” • “I wanted to slow down and really think about what I was doing rather than just shoot 15 versions of the same shot to get it right. As I have grown into film, I also enjoy the craft aspects of it. Developing etc.”

• “The fact that there goes a lot more thinking in taking a photograph. Because of the ‘limitation’ of 36/12 pictures on a roll you think more about a shot you take. While with digital you just shoot.”

Perhaps in our increasingly instant society, where everything is disposable and replaceable, younger people are searching for something with value. People all over the world share over 1.8 billion photos to the Internet each day. How do you make your photo stand out? The teen years have always been about rebelling, finding an identity and fighting to be heard. Maybe this goes some way to explaining why film is becoming more popular with younger generations in particular. It’s a rebellion against the mainstream.

ILFORD’s Director of Sales and Marketing Steve Brierly commented: “Thanks to the film users who took part in this survey, we have confirmed what we thought, which is that the recent growth in film sales can be attributed to the new users coming through. We are providing support to these new users and making it easier for them to find darkrooms should they wish to. It’s a year since we launched localdarkroom.com and we now have over 650 tutors and sharers in more than 60 countries around the world. Without the support and help from the film community who complete our surveys, this couldn’t have happened”.

“Perhaps in our increasingly instant society, where everything is disposable and replaceable, younger people are searching for something with value. People all over the world share over 1.8 billion photos to the Internet each day”

www.pixel.co.uk 19

DNP Printers

So reliable that we now offer 2 years warranty Premium quality

Reliable operations

DS40

Profitable photo business

WARRANTY

DS-RX1

DS80

Photo service is a wonderful business. Whether you are using a professional photo printer for your retail operations, in your studio or integrated into kiosk or booth solutions, you are creating emotions. The products you offer are premium quality, and you expect the same for your hardware. With thousands of durable printers operating across Europe, DNP Photo Imaging Europe are confident to offer you 2 years of warranty. For details on warranty conditions please see www.dnpphoto.eu.

20 www.pixel.co.uk

www.dnpphoto.eu sales@dnpphoto.eu

GOOD SERVICE

Good Service -

What Does It Mean?

What is ‘good service’, and why does it need an award? We talk to AP magazine, which recently hosted its annual awards ceremony, to find out

“We believe that the trade is very important in our industry. We wanted to encourage people to shop with specialised dealers where they get a personal, knowledgeable service”

H

aving a reputation for ‘good service’ is the highest accolade you can get as an independent retailer operating in a tough, competitive market. In an age where it’s possible to buy a camera with a few clicks of a button (or taps of a finger) on sites such as Amazon and Argos, it’s ‘good service’ that’s going to keep the High Street photographic shops open.

Pixel recently had the pleasure of attending the annual Amateur Photographer Awards, the 38th of its kind, hosted at the resplendent One Whitehall Place in London. The awards were split into different product categories, with the Good Service Awards first being incorporated into proceedings in 2013 (previously the ‘What Digital Camera Good Service Awards’).

We wanted to know more about what good

service means, why it is important and why this year’s winners deserved the accolade.

In the wake of the awards, Nigel Atherton, Editor of Amateur Photographer magazine answered some of our questions: How do you choose the winners?

“Retailers promote the award in their own ways - they can ask customers to go online and fill out a form after they’ve purchased a camera.

We also do a lot of promoting through our website and social media. It’s up to the retailer how much effort they want to put in.”

Why do you feel it’s important to include this award?

“We believe that the trade is very important in our industry. We wanted to encourage

www.pixel.co.uk 21

GFK REPORT

APservice AWARDS What does good mean to you?

“First and foremost, a good service is about understanding the customer’s needs. Often people go into a camera shop without knowing what they want.

They need the expertise to lead them to the right decision.”

people to shop with specialised dealers where they get a personal, knowledgeable service. Through the good service awards, we are able to promote and recognise the benefits of good service to support the industry and help photographers on the consumer end.”

“For us, good service is dedication to our customers, listening to what they want and offering the best advice and solutions for their requirements.

From talking on the phone, face to face in our store, answering email enquiries, providing smooth and efficient order processing and keeping our customers updated every step of the way. It has to run throughout our business from first contact to the care taken in packing and despatching orders and following up with customers after their purchase to check they are happy. “

What does good service entail?

“First and foremost, a good service is about understanding the customer’s needs. Often people go into a camera shop without knowing what they want. They need the expertise to lead them to the right decision. That’s the second crucial part of good service.

Having good product knowledge - knowing your range inside out so you can match the customer to the right product. Having variety in-store is also important - giving customers lots of options. Finally, it’s about developing an on-going relationship, letting customers know that they can keep coming back to you for advice and future purchases. Customers should leave with a feeling of confidence in their product and in you.”

- Mark Williams, Clifton Cameras - Good service award winner

Did the event meet your expectations this year?

“It was successful this year. The feedback was all very positive.

Sometimes we get a few arguments after the awards are announced, people who think they should have won – but this year we didn’t really have any of that. Everyone seemed to agree that all the winners were deserving.”

Having spoken to some of the winners, it’s clear that ‘Good Service Award Winner’ is a desirable accolade to have. Mark Williams of Clifton Cameras said: “In an Amazon-dominated retail landscape, it is purely the provision of exceptional customer service that will enable us to continue on our journey.

“Winning an AP award for the 5th consecutive year makes us feel proud of the hard work and effort our team puts in everyday, and encourages us to strive to do more to be recognised and stand out in our industry.”

“What does good service mean to us?: We continue to offer what I hope is still an elegant oasis of oldfashioned service. Moreover, it is our unstinting determination to relate to our customers with the spirit, courtesy and enthusiasm now so often lost to the modern retail world, to attend to detail because it practically matters, to inform and advise because we can and to afford to each and every one of our customers the same grace, willingness and good manners that we believe everyone is due. Our staff is the key to this experience because we have always held as sacred, that our customers deserve the very best in staff and service.”

- Gray Levett, Grays of Westminster - Good

22 service www.pixel.co.uk award winner

5

GOOD SERVICE

Top

Tips for Good Service

We’ve asked around for some good service tips with a little help from a survey by Management Today:

1

Don’t neglect your customers online

Customer expectations are changing thanks to the rise of online shopping. According to the Management Today survey, one in seven people would use social media sites to complain about a retailer.

While we don’t all have the resources to be online 24/7 like Amazon, which answers customer questions with chat windows and constant social media interaction, it is possible to keep customers happy online with a few changes. One great tip is to sync your social media accounts with your smartphone so you get a message alert whenever someone contacts you on Twitter or Facebook. This way you can respond immediately to any complaints or questions. Also try to keep your emails open in the shop so you can sit down and respond to any queries whenever you get a quiet moment.

2

Know your stuff

According to the survey, 65% of customers think service means employees who know the

product inside out and are able to give advice.

For a subject as specialist as photography, this is paramount. Make use of dealer resources from manufacturers so you’re ready for any productrelated questions. We might be biased, but we think this will become easier than ever when we launch the Pixel Development Room later this month, which offers a fun, simple way to boost your knowledge of all the latest cameras.

“Over two thirds of those surveyed said they would never buy from a company again if they received bad service”

3

Don’t expect second chances

Over two thirds of those surveyed said they would never buy from a company again if they received bad service. Even if you are having an off day, keep smiling, keep doing your best to help and advise customers, and don’t let complaints or negativity get to you. If you lost a customer there is every chance you are losing a life-time of potential business.

4

Resolve problems quickly

As many as 75% of respondents said good service means having their problems sorted out quickly. The last thing a customer wants when something goes wrong is to have to put in more effort than is due to have the problem rectified. Good service means apologising for the inconvenience and reassuring customers that you will do everything in your power to resolve the problem. More importantly - follow your promises through. More often than not, your efforts will be appreciated and customers will be more inclined to keep coming back.

5

Make friends

Photographers can be a passionate sort.

Having a good chat about the equipment is a bonus of going in-store rather than shopping online. Don’t be afraid to impart your knowledge when potential customers come through the door. If you can show your expertise, they are more likely to trust your advice and buy the products you recommend. They are also more likely to keep coming back to you as their hobby grows and their collection expands.

www.pixel.co.uk 23

EPSON

Epson in Practice: A Case Study

Epson launched the SureLab D700 in February 2014 and we’re keen to see how it’s faring in real-life commercial environments. Here, we speak to husband and wife team Pete and Jean at JP Photographic, Kent

J

He looked at all the printers on the market P Photographic is a family-run business him what he could tell me about the Epson including the Fuji option but he decided he was located in the pretty town of Maidstone, SureLab D700 he said don’t worry, I’m your interested in seeing what the Epson SureLab Kent. Pete and Jean Lerpiniere are main man and I’ll tell you everything you need D700 could do for him. school and event photographers with two to know,” Pete says. “And he was true to his He initially researched local suppliers in his main customers: Kent Police (photographing word. He went through every detail of the area. His experience when speaking to them passing out parades, cadets and corporate printer’s capabilities whilst producing sample left him feeling exasperated at the lack of events) and Millfield School. prints of the files we had brought with us. knowledge of the printer and its capabilities.

Both clients naturally expect extremely high When we compared them to the prints we He continued his search on the Internet and standards when it comes to photography, so were getting from our existing device it was a came across a video that Tetenal’s Hardware Pete and Jean must rely on their equipment no brainer.”

Sales Manager Chris Castle had posted online as well as their own skill to produce the They were so impressed that they bought desired results. the printer and took it back with them The couple previously used a dye the same day. sub printer to produce prints but Pete has since been back in touch “Since August of 2014 we’ve had the it had too many limitations, mostly with Tetenal to explain the difference it busiest period in our history and the Epson because the background colours has made to his business used on most portraits softened the “Since August of 2014 we’ve had D700 has coped with everything that we overall effect of the image. But a the busiest period in our history and have thrown at it” request from Millfield School changed the Epson D700 has coped with all that. everything that we have thrown at it,” The school wanted the couple to He says. talking about the features of the Epson D700. shoot pupils portraits on white backgrounds.

“We do a mix of private and event work for He called Tetenal the next day and spoke After a few test prints with the dye sub printer prestigious organisations such as the Kent directly to Chris and was immediately it was clear Police Force and Millfield School. They expect impressed by the depth of his knowledge and that it didn’t nothing but the best and with the D700 we his patience in listening to Pete’s individual meet the high can now deliver exactly that. What’s even business needs. standards JP more of a revelation is that whilst we have Very shortly after that conversation, Pete and Photographic been burning through a large amount of Jean took the 3.5 hour journey up to Leicester and their media, we are still on the original inkset we to visit Chris in Tetenal’s dedicated Epson clients insist started with. The versatility and economy of showroom. The couple have said they were on, so Pete the machine has surpassed even our greatest both impressed not only with the printer, but decided to hopes. Alongside my Nikon D4 I have to say it also the level of service offered by Tetenal. look at other is the best investment we have ever made in “When I first spoke to Chris and asked options. the business.”

24 www.pixel.co.uk

ARE YOU READY?

The Next Step in Communication for the Imaging Industry Contact amy@pixel.co.uk for more information

www.pixel.co.uk 25

NEWS DJI Drone Maker Joins Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group Pro and consumer drone manufacturer DJI has reportedly joined the Micro Four Thirds system standard group, a hint that it could start installing interchangeable lens cameras directly into its products in order to cut out the middle man and stay ahead of competing brands.

With recent reports of GoPro entering the drone market this year, it could be a wise move.

In the wake of the announcement, Chinmoy Lad, a marketing specialist for DJI, told DP Review: “DJI is always exploring new avenues to push the boundaries of what is possible.”

It’s A Bowens TakeOver At TPS

Canon Unveils EOS M3: high performance compact system camera

Canon has announced the EOS M3 – which incorporates its first 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and its most advanced image processor, DIGIC 6 The EOS M3 is targeting enthusiast photographers ‘who demand premium performance’, according to the company.

Canon said: “As an advanced photographer you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips, with intuitive DSLR-like dials and control, as well as the flexibility to change your lens, all shrunk down into a compact, ergonomic body to take with you wherever you go.”

The camera features a new Hybrid CMOS AF III and 49-point AF system to help the user capture moving subjects. In fact, they say it can focus up to 6.1x faster than the original EOS M. Canon has also designed the camera to work in a range of

lighting situations, with a 10012,800 ISO range.

Design-wise the M3 looks like a small DSLR, benefiting from being palm-sized with a grip and a range of controls including an exposure dial and customisable buttons. It also features a 7.5cm (3”) LCD touch screen that can tilt 180º for selfportraits.

For retailers the camera’s hotshoe opens opportunities for selling additional accessories, including Speedlite flashes and

tilt-type electronic viewfinder.

It is also compatible with EF-M lenses, from pancake to zoom.

Budding filmmakers benefit from Full HD quality with a choice of 24p, 25p and 30p frame rates.

As with all highend models today, the M3 comes with WiFi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing and remote camera control.

Available: April 2015 RRP: £599.99

Pentax Launches Diminutive K-S2 Next generation of award-winning DSLR

Bowens’ have teamed up with its videography and broadcast subdivision Limelite to set up a new-look stand (G81) featuring a Studio and Technique Stage and a Bowens Networking Lounge Zone for pro photographers and trade visitors.

Robert Cook, Bowens marketing director, said: “TPS is set to be a landmark event for us as we will showcase the pioneering Light Cube that is already revolutionising studio and location shoots for photographers and film-makers”.

Just a few months after the launch of the brightly-coloured K-S1 (winner of Consumer SLR Camera of The Year at AP awards), Ricoh Imaging has announced the launch of the K-S2.

Ricoh says the new model is the ‘world’s smallest dust-proof, weather-

resistant DSLR’. Also for the first time in the K series, the new model has WiFi and NFC. Pentax is keen to get across that this camera is not all about style, introducing a wide range of features, including a tilting LCD screen.

To accompany the K-S2, Ricoh

has also developed the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE standard zoom lens as an exclusive kit lens.

The company says: “Users are guaranteed a highly portable digital imaging system that performs brilliantly.”

RRP: £549.99 (Body), £649.99 (Single Lens Kit - smc PENTAX-DA L 18-50mmF4-5.6 DC WR), £729.99 (Twin Lens Kit - smc PENTAX-DA L 1850mmF4-5.6 DC WR & DA 50200mm F4-5.6 ED WR), £879.99 (Premium Lens Kit - smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR)

YouGov Survey Identifies Digital Cameras as ‘redundant’ A YouGov poll involving over 2,000 people has identified digital cameras as one of the in 2015 top three ‘unnecessary’ technologies this year Results from a YouGov poll taken in November 2014 show that consumers regard digital cameras as the most ‘redundant’ and ‘unnecessary’ of all popular technologies In contrast, the respondents listed the top three ‘most influential’ technologies for 2015 as smart phones, tablets and 3D printers.

26 www.pixel.co.uk

When asked, from a list of technologies that included laptops, e-readers and music streaming services, which, if any, would be significantly influential in 2015, 42% picked out smart phones, 37% tablets and

nearly a third (32%) 3D printers. Home automation also rated highly at 27%.

From the same list of technologies respondents were asked which, if any, will be redundant/unnecessary this year. Digital music devices and

digital cameras tied in joint top position at 16%. Wearables divided opinion with 19% picking them from the influential list and 11% from the redundant list.

However, nearly a third (32%) of respondents believed none of the listed technologies will be redundant or unnecessary in 2015.

Read more: pixelmagazine.co.uk

NEWS

Fujifilm 2015 Lens Updates

The company has released a new roadmap for its X mount series The 2015 Fujifilm X Mount Lens roadmap includes a list of new lenses, including: • XF120mm F2.8 R Macro 1:1 Macro, telephoto lens (second macro lens to be added to the line-up).

• XF35mm F2 R compact and lightweight standard focal length lens.

• 1.4x Teleconverter for XF50-

140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR, XF120mm F2.8 R Macro, X F100-400mm (first of its kind for the X-mount).

Fujifilm has also confirmed that the “Super Telephoto Zoom” lens that was announced on its previous roadmap update (expected for Winter 2015) will have a focal range equivalent to 150-600mm.

New companion for Olympus OM-D and PEN Olympus has announced the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm lens Olympus has unveiled what it is calling a ‘smart new edition’ of its ‘versatile telephoto lens’ – ideal for owners of Olympus OM-D or PEN interchangeable lens cameras.

This is the second generation M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14150mm 1:4.0-5.6 II telephoto lens, complete with a new design and Olympus’ ZERO coating, intended to boost optical quality.

Also new to the lens is new weatherproofing. Olympus said: “Like its flexible predecessor,

focusing distance of just 50cm from wide-angle right up to telephoto.

The latest addition to the impressive M.ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lens family is available in black.”

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 II telephoto lens is 83mm long and 63.5mm in diameter. It comes supplied with a lens hood as well as front and rear lens caps. this beautiful new edition is both lightweight and compact. It has a high-speed AF and a closest

Available: Late February RRP: £549.99

Additions to Nikon’s Waterproof Range Nikon has announced the launch of two new waterproof cameras: the COOLPIX AW130 and the COOLPIX S33

COOLPIX A130 The COOLPIX AW130 compact camera is the more expensive of the two at £279.99. It follows on from the AW100, 110 and 120, this time with an extra waterproof body. The latest model is waterproof to 30m, which in diving terms, takes users as far as an open water diving certification.

The previous three models could only withstand a maximum of 18m (10m for the AW100).

The AW130 is also shockproof from 2m, dust-proof and cold resistant to -10ºC. Like the 110 and 120, the 130 has WiFi connectivity. However, it also has NFC for easy touch transfer between devices.

It has a NIKKOR 24mm f/2.8 5x optical zoom lens, extendable to 10x Dynamic Fine Zoom.

Other features include GPS for recording shooting locations (up to 30 locations can be saved on

a built-in World Map, and altitude or depth data can be imprinted too), a 16MP CMOS sensor, vibration reduction technology and time lapse movie mode.

COOLPIX S33 The lower priced, 13MP COOLPIX S33 is also waterproof - but only to 10m. It is shockproof to 1.5m and cold resistant to -10ºC. Ideally aimed at families, the camera has both adult and child menus to adapt its accessibility.

AF finds targets automatically and the 3x optical zoom is extendable to 6x.

Introducing the new cameras, Coralie Smith, Senior Product

Manager for COOLPIX and Nikon 1 at Nikon UK, said: “The COOLPIX AW130 is an easy to use rugged compact camera that’s built to suit those with active lifestyles looking to capture new adventures.

Whether shooting pictures indoors, exploring new cities or rock climbing, the AW130 is a high performance camera that will travel anywhere and will keep up with you.”

RRP: COOLPIX AW130: £279.99 Available: 26th February 2015 COOLPIX S33: £89.99 Available: 5th March 2015

Nikon Launches D810 Redesigned for Astrophotography Introducing the very niche D810A, capturing 36.3MP images in the cosmos Nikon has unveiled the first FX-format DSLR engineered for astrophotography.

The new D810A has a redesigned infrared (IR) cut filter, engineered to be 4x more sensitive to the H alpha spectral line. Without going into too much technical detail (it’s more ‘can’t’ than ‘won’t’) this essentially means astrophotographers can capture the true colour of nebulae - without the need to modify their cameras.

Specialised features include: • Long exposure M mode allows exposures of up to 900 seconds.

• ISO extended to 51200.

• Unlimited continuous shooting for light trail photography.

• Red-lit virtual horizon.

Optional Accessories: • MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack.

• EH-5b AC Adapter.

• EP-5B Power Connector.

RRP: £2,999 Body Only Available: End of May 2015

Ricoh Announces Four Upcoming Lenses Ricoh has unveiled its 2015 roadmap for K-mount lenses, introducing: • DA Wide zoom 10-30mm.

• D FA Large diameter wide zoom 15-30mm.

• D FA Large diameter standard zoom 25-70mm.

• D FA Standard zoom 28110mm.

The first in the list has rolled over from last year’s roadmap and there’s every chance the remaining three could roll over into 2016.

The lineup for Pentax 645 mount includes: • Standard zoom 45-85mm.

• Telephoto zoom 92-180mm.

www.pixel.co.uk 27

NEWS Three New Nikon COOLPIX Bridge Cameras

Nikon has launched three new high performance bridge cameras, with the P610 offering the biggest zoom at the highest price, and the L340 sitting at the lower end of the scale and exclusive to Argos.

Here’s a brief summary: COOLPIX P610 • NIKKOR 60x optical zoom extendable to 120x • Vibration reduction • Built-in WiFi and NFC • GPS • 16MP CMOS sensor • Full HD (1080/60p) • Tilting LCD screen RRP: £339.99 Available: 19 February 2015 COOLPIX L840 • NIKKOR 38x optical zoom extendable to 76x • Built-in WiFi and NFC connection • 16MP CMOS sensor • LCD tilt screen • Moon and Bird-watching modes • Full HD movies (1080/60i) RRP: £209.99 Available: 26 February 2015 COOLPIX L340 • NIKKOR 28x optical zoom extandable to 56x • Easy operation • 20MP CCD sensor • Wide angle • HD movies (720p) • AF • Argos-only Availability: 26 February 2015

28 www.pixel.co.uk

Olympus Launches New Wide-angle The TG-860 has been announced Tough Camera Olympus’ TG range for extreme activity enthusiasts has reached a new stage in its evolution. The latest addition, the TG-860, has been redesigned with a number of improvements, including an ultrawide-angle 21-105mm 5x optical zoom lens and built-in WiFi. The waterproofing on the TG860 appears to have improved since the TG850, withstanding a depth of 15m, compared to 10m. Shock-proofing and freezeproofing remain the same, at 2.1m and -10ºC respectively. It also retains the tilting 3” screen for easier selfies. This time though, the camera has an accompanying shutter-release button next to the lens, so users can take those mountain-top selfless more comfortably. This so-called ‘face

button’ is also customisable, so it can be set to start video recording, boost LCD brightness and switch on the torch or Super Macro instead.

Other Key Features include: • Built-in GPS for accurate location data.

• Sportcam Mode for high quality widescreen videos.

• 16MP backlit CMOS sensor.

• 1080p Full HD 60p movie recording.

• Time lapse and slow-motion recording.

• 7 art filters.

• Hybrid 5-axis lens-shift and digital image stabilisation to reduce blue and shake.

Optional Accessories • Sport Holder (CSCH-123) –

Supplied with a spiral safety cord, carabiner and quick release mechanism for maximum flexibility.

• Underwater Case (PT-057) – For shooting at depths up to 45 metres. The face button can be assigned to wide-angle or macro and operated wearing gloves through the case.

• Silicone Jacket (CSCH-124) – Improves grip and protects in the harshest conditions. The LCD, face button and two tripod interfaces can be used in the case.

• Soft Camera Case (CSCH-121) – All-weather case that comes with a carabiner clip. Specially designed for quick drainage and ventilation. Available in black, blue or red.

• Floating Handstrap (CHS-09) – Red strap that’s easy to spot if you drop it in water and prevents the camera from sinking.

RRP: £269.99 Available: Mid-March 2015

What’s Your Town Centre Like?

New report shows there are significantly more empty shops in the north than the south According to a recent report, almost one in five shops in northern cities are empty, compared to just one in 10 in the south of England.

The Local Data Company (LDC) found that the worst performing region was the north east, with a shop vacancy of 18.8%, while the best performing area - London, had just 8.7% of shops vacant.

Of all the shops tracked, 20%

small beer to the totals, the had been vacant for more than significance lies with the fact that three years, accounting to almost whilst traditional 10,000 outlets. shops have been LCD director Photo - London Permaculture closing it has been Matthew Hopkins the supermarkets said: “This is the and convenience equivalent of five stores that have Manchesters lying been expanding empty.” significantly which He added: has kept the “While the occupancy rates balanced.” numbers announced to date are

New Canon Lens EF 11-24mm ‘World’s widest-angle rectilinear zoom lens’ launched by Canon Alongside the new EOS 5DS and 5DS R, Canon has unveiled the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM. The EF 11-24mm f/4L USM has a newly designed optical structure featuring three aspherical lenses.

It is expected to be popular with professional landscape photographers, thanks to its ultrawide point of view.

Its lens arrangement also allows for minimal distortion (ideal for

architecture and interiors), while near-silent AF is ideal for nature photography and sensitive locations.

It is also weather-resistant with a rugged body.

Availability: March 2015 RRP: £2,799.99 www.canon.co.uk

Frontier S

DPX Digital Photo Centre

WONDER PHOTO SHOP

Also on show: • Drylab 650 • DPC10 Imagine kiosk • Epson 7890 Wide Format printer

• Quick Print Station • Xerox Phaser 6270 • Case Station Phone cover printer

Print Your Precious Memories. Live Life. Love Photos

Concept proposal for Fuji @ The Photography Show 2015

proposal for Fuji @ The Photography Show 2015

Concept proposal for Fuji @ The Photography Show 2015

sove e

Copyright Sovereign Exhibitions Ltd 2014

E X H

NB Graphic content and furniture shown for indicative purposes only.

sove e

t Sovereign Exhibitions Ltd 2014

E X H

content and furniture shown for indicative purposes only.

Copyright Sovereign Exhibitions Ltd 2014 NB Graphic content and furniture shown for indicative purposes only.

B

T

O N S

B

T

O N S

L T D

L T D

sove e E X H

B

T

O N S

AWARD WINNING CLASSIC DESIGNS • INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY L T D

Instant fun! juicy

OMG

A seamless photo solution for instore, mobile and online.

For more information please call 01234 572138 or visit www.fujifilm.eu/UK

BE INSPIRED.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand.

www.pixel.co.uk 29 Find us at HALL 5 Stand D21 www.fujifilm.co.uk

NEWS Tamron announces price and availability of 15-30mm wideangle zoom Tamron recently unveiled its latest SP 15-30mm lens, and now the company has revealed it will be available across Europe from 16 February at a price of £949.99 inc. VAT. The ultra-wide-angle lens is for full frame sensors, and incorporates professional-level features such as VC (vibration compensation), optical image stabilisation, a constant f2.8 aperture throughout the zoom and USD (ultrasonic silent drive).

The company said: “This lens continues development of lenses for professional photographers and enthusiasts adding an ultra-wide-angle solution to their current line up of pro quality optics for full frame users.”

Canon replaces two PIXMA Pro printers

The PIXMA PRO-100S and PIXMA PRO10S have been unveiled

The recently announced PIXMA PRO 100S and 10S replace the existing PRO-100 and 10S respectively.

According to Canon, these ‘deliver a whole host of new connectivity options’.

Like their predecessors, the 100S uses 8 dye-based inks to produce prints up to A3 size, while the 10s uses 10 individual inks (with Chroma Optimiser).

The main difference is that users can now print directly from cloudbased photo and storage services using PIXMA Cloud Link. These include Facebook, Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.

100 S Top Selling Point • Glossy, vibrant colour thanks to 8-ink dye with three monochrome inks using Chromalife 100+ for improved performance.

RRP: £499.99

• Speedy print: A3 photo in 90 seconds.

• Smooth workflow with Pro Gallery Print app on iPad, which works with professional cloud-based photography services including Zenfolio and SmugMug. • Wireless printing.

• PIXMA Cloud Link.

• Canon Print Studio plugin means users can print straight from professional photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.

10S Top Selling Points • 10-ink pigment based system for more accurate, gallery-quality prints.

• Pro Gallery Print app for integration with Zenfolio and SmugMug. • Wireless printing.

• PIXMA Cloud Link.

• LUCIA inks combines dye-based ink with pigment ink, for both vibrancy and longevity.

• Chroma Optimiser enhances glossiness, flattens the print surface and expands colour range.

RRP: £699.99 Both models are available in February 2015

50.6MP Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R Announced Canon has described its new full frame cameras as a ‘new breed’ of DSLR Canon has announced the launch of two new full frame DSLRs, designed to ‘transform’ the EOS system.

The company says the EOS 5DS and EOS 5FD R offer the highest megapixels ever seen in a full frame sensor, at 50.6MP. The EOS 5DS includes an additional low pass cancellation filter to maximise the sensor’s resolution and visible image quality.

The new sensor is especially suited for large format mediums such as advertising billboards and magazine covers. Low noise it ensured with the ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, expandable to 5012800. The camera’s resolution

CREDITS & CONTACTS

also enables three new in-camera crop shooting modes: 1.3x, 1.6x and 1:1 6 processors are in place to process the high levels of data from the 50.6 MP sensor, while giving the freedom to shoot at five frames per second.

Canon says the 61-point AF system has 41 cross-type points to

deliver sharpness and accuracy across the whole frame.

Other features of note include an 150k pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with Flicker Detection to ensure consistent and accurate exposures under varying lighting scenarios, including florescent. Also, an 100% viewfinder with electronic overlay,

Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield 01323 819007 lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editor: Zoe Thomas 01323 819011 zoe@pixel.co.uk

Subscriptions: Linda Grace 01323 819015 linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Commercial Director: Simon Skinner 01323 819017 simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Editorial Design: Harriet Weston 01323 819010 harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Operations Director: Clare Fermor 01323 819016 clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Design Assistant: Amy Watson 01323 819018 amy@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Published by: LMG SE LTD (Life Media Group) 1 Swan Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2BY

Commercial Manager: Patrick McCreanor 01323 81900714 patrick@lifemediagroup.co.uk

Accounts: Amelia Wellings 01323 819016 amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk

30 www.pixel.co.uk

Printed by: Gemini Press Unit A1 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6NZ

an 8.11cm (3.2”) LCD screen with ani-reflective surface to reduce glare.

Canon says: “Both cameras utilise Canon’s iconic design DNA – a highly durable body constructed from high-grade magnesium alloy to provide weather resilient shooting – ideal for landscape photographers who are dedicated to getting the perfect shot, whatever the weather.”

EOS 5DS RRP: £2,999.99 EOS 5DS R RRP: £3,199.99 Both cameras will be available in June 2015

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Pixel Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of Life Media Group LTD. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Pixel Magazine assume no reponsibilty for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisment contained within Pixel Magazine.

All prices featured in Pixel Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright Life Media Group LTD 2014©

MEET THE FAMILY

Epson Pro inkjet quality print for event/studio photographers, pro labs and retail The Epson Surelab range of high quality inkjet printers brings Pro quality print within the grasp of all photographic businesses.

Whether your pro wet lab is coming to the end of its' life, your event photography business needs revitilising or your want to add a retail element to your business, there's an Epson Surelab perfect for you.

AVAILABLE IN THE UK FROM

MEET THE EPSON FAMILY ON TETENAL STAND C101

www.pixel.co.uk 31

E-M5 Mark II

*CIPA Standards as of 12/2014

YOU ARE FREE Follow your creative visions with the new OM-D E-M5 Mark II. Capture spur-of-the-moment photos and movies in breathtakingly clear quality thanks to the world’s most powerful 5-axis image stabilisation*. This OM-D is also ready to go wherever you go, in any situation. The compact build won’t weigh you down, while the robust construction is set for taking on the elements: dust, splashes and freezing temperatures. Freedom has never felt so free – with the OLYMPUS OM-D.

32 www.pixel.co.uk

Find out more at your local dealer or visit olympus.co.uk